Tom Butler – “Give”
-I don’t know Tom Butler personally, but something about this song makes me feel like he’s a down to earth dude. The chords feel like they are from a classic 60s rock tune. The easy going message feels sweet and genuine. The clarity on the lead vocal is really well done. The whole production feels like a timeless folk rock tune and we’re absolutely HERE for it.
Stephen Babcock – “Bukowski”
-Every once in a while I stumble across a song that I cannot fathom… how did someone think of a piece of music so incredible, with lyrics that seem like they are from outside of the space time continuum? That is how I feel about “Bukowski,” a literary piece as much as a song. The phrasing feels like a mix of Ryan Adams and Gregory Alan Isakov. If you can’t relate to the heartbroken nostalgia of this track, then brother can you spare a dime? Because this one takes some us back to some pretty dark places.
Brock Phillips – “American Nights”
-The easy comparison here is Needtobreathe. I mean… everything from the composition to the vocal quality reminds me of that subgenre of indie folk rock with Needtobreathe and Green River Ordinance. The slow burning two step here from Phillips has a magnetism to it that you’ll not here on the radio (but absolutely should). It’s a singer songwriter anthem dripping with nostalgia and inspirational power. It’s a little gospel, a little blues, and a whole lot of genuine reflection. Give it a spin.
